My god the White Sox are terrible. It doesn’t matter, bank the wins and the Royals did exactly what I was hoping. Go .500 now against the Diamondbacks and Cubs…beat up on the White Sox again and they are right there. At least this weekend put to rest any talk of selling. They are buying, no question about it (i never really doubted). It’s interesting the difference a year makes. Last year I’d be thrilled with the sweep. This year, they did what they needed and part of me keeps visioning Brebbia hang slider after slider knowing how bad the White Sox are. Lol. Was that really us last year ?
I think I’ve actually changed my view quite a bit on the third baseman vs outfield situation. I think they need a third baseman more than outfielder now as well. It rubs me the wrong way that means Melendez keeps getting shots in the outfield. But quietly…Garcia is hitting just as well as Isbel this year. We are all fine with Isbel playing defense and hitting in the 9 hole. But you start getting too many of those type players and you quickly have an issue. We already see it with this team. IDK, I’d rather have a better hitting third baseman if out there with Renfoe looking much better.
I think third base is a bigger need, but man there isn't a lot out there on the infield. I'm not even sure how much that could change if some teams decide to sell. I mean does Eugenio Suarez and his .367 SLG really appeal? It's just a rough spot to upgrade. If they can get a guy like Chapman, Paredes or Rengifo, absolutely, but at some point, you're marginally upgrading offensively and likely downgrading defensively. Of course, surprises happen all the time, so I guess you never know really.
No Suarez does nothing for me. It’s Chapman or Paredes really. Regifo….whatever…but it’s an upgrade. I’d love Chapman or Paredes….but if they can’t make anything work I can totally see a Rengifo/Anderson deal that would not really excite me…..but it would be upgrades. So I’d take it. Lol.
I could be. I’m not going to sit here and tell you I watch many Angels games without Ohtani/Trout. I don’t know if I even recall seeing Rengifo play. His career .313 obp and middling power sticks out to me at third. But it’s probably an unfair opinion on my part. He looks like he’s figured some things out the last couple years here. He’d be an upgrade over what they have. No question.
If he’s truely the .339 and .358 obp guy he has been the last two years. Go for it. I just want them to get guys that can get on base. Maybe he’s one of the rare guys that figure that out 4 years into there careers. Always possible.
The guy isn't a star, but the Angels did what the Angels do and gave him big league time before he was remotely ready. The career numbers have taken a big hit because of hit. He doesn't walk a ton, but he also doesn't strike out and he's a weapon on the bases. Again, not a star, but you put him at the top of the lineup and the team gets a fair amount better immediately.
I know Garcia's bat has been poor, but isn't hitting leadoff part of the problem? I would have no idea how to look up those numbers, but think? he hits better when lower in lineup. His defense at 3rd is great by my eye test, but maybe just compared to the others who they have plugged in there. I really like him as everyday 3rd when lower in lineup- are my eyes deceiving me?
Does Ty France interest anyone? I know it’s third base….and he’s not hitting well this year. And maybe he’s cooked at 30. But I’ve seen enough of him to know he’s a professional hitter. A career .340 obp is hard to just ignore. If only he played more than first though.
Again, that's the thing. Sure it's better than the bottom half of the lineup (though trending way in the wrong direction), but the only hitters he could replace are in the top half.
Yeah only playing first base is the real issue. Which is why he was DFA’d in the first place I’m sure. Seattle is more starved for offense than the Royals. Or at least around the same level.
No. The only reason France is remotely interesting is that hitters seem to absolutely crumble in Seattle and then many thrive elsewhere. But the guy is a first base/DH who doesn't have enough power to man the spot. Again, the idea of just fitting a bat in only works so well when your best bats are already taking the only spots a guy plays. You can't even pretend like he could passably play left field either like you could with Lamonte Wade.
Lots of "what if" trade stuff to talk about (I'm not convinced they need STARTING pitching), so I'll choose a different subject: Drew Waters.
I'll admit I was excited about this guy/trade a couple of years ago...but he seems to be "showing himself the door". What are you to think when (as a switch hitter) you get pinch-hit for in a situation where the pitcher can't even get the ball over the plate? And then he muffed a play in the field (and I considered him a good defender)! What's the over/under on how many times he gets a start before MJ comes back? 1? 2? He already sat a few days before yesterday's start...and he's hitting something like .100!!
Yeah, I didn't write about Waters because the team has basically told us how they felt about him all season long. And then when he gets his rare chances, he looks like he did on Saturday. I just don't see a big leaguer and I don't think the Royals do either, which speaks to their lack of upper level depth. If MJ comes back at the early end of what they think, that means they have five or six more games left. Looks like two lefties in that time. I'd say he starts a max of three games.
Here’s another one I can’t quite wrap my head around. I like Massey. It’s a sweet swing and some legit pop at second. But how in the world has he only walked 3 times in 46 games? He had a career .354 obp in the minors. .284 in the show. I know you’ve said the gap is wide…..and he was never a huge walk guy even in the minors. But it wasn’t as BA driven as it is now either. IDK…I guess it is that wide of a gap these days.
He does a lot of chasing, but he also doesn't swing and miss much. Kind of an odd profile. But I think some of that will even out. He had a 5.2% walk rate last year. I can't imagine the 1.8% is sustainable.
I'm going to continue to beg the Royals to let Hunter Renfroe lead off until they add a bat.
But really, I'm a bit annoyed that they haven't added a bat, yet.
But also, what the heck is up with the trade deadline this year? It feels like there should have been multiple big deals done, already, but we're barely a week from the deadline and Hunter Harvey might have been the biggest deal so far.
I feel like you responded to the point about not adding a bat yourself, right? The market is slooooooooooooow. There are currently eight teams more than five games out of a playoff spot. Two of them are the Tigers and Rangers, who are probably on the edge right now of selling, for different reasons. Just a lot of waiting around for a few teams to pick a direction.
Has the extra playoff spots almost ensured that it will be slow right up until the day of as more teams are in it and figuring out what to do till the last moment? Almost seems that way.
That's played a huge role, but the draft being as late as it is plays a massive role too. Add in that the break was a little later than usual (and thus the draft), and you have a slow market.
Yeah, you're right. I'm just impatient because at least part of me believe that if the Royals add one bat of average ability but with above average consistency, they'll immediately start dominating the entire sport.
They're 12-11 when Witt does haven't have a hit and 11-19 when Salvy doesn't. There have been six games when they've both gone hitless. They're 1-5 in those, but 0-4 in June, including the sweep in Texas.
I don't think it's especially surprising, though, that if the a team's two most productive hitters don't hit, it makes it tougher to win.
Really it is just another confirmation on what we already know. It’s a top heavy lineup, lack of depth, stars and bums, etc….whatever we want to call it really. If the engine doesn’t go…..they don’t really have the backup battery to get them by most nights. BWJ and Salvy are the engine.
Well…..I guess not. That doesn’t neatly fit into my narrative so I’m going to ignore your stat. It’s definitely interesting. In a sport that is so individualized…..maybe that’s more common than I thought. Seems odd….but I guess it’s clearly not just the Royals.
Actually when you look at the total offensive stats for the Royals. It’s an interesting profile. They are 11th in runs scored (that’s great), but then you look at HR’s (21), OBP (20), walks (28th), middle of the pack in hits….and its like how are they 11th in runs scored. It’s the low obp, low strikeout approach. Which….I guess we’ve seen it work in the past. And as you’ve already mentioned…as long as they keep hitting well with runners. I mean, they are only down to 62 more games so I don’t see a huge correction in that trend at this point hopefully.
The reality is that every team needs their stars to be stars more often than not. If Bobby and Salvy are hitting, the Royals are likely scoring and with their pitching, they're likely winning.
Yeah, I mean you’re right. It’s just a little surprising that such an individualized sport where 0-3, 0-4 is fairly common. It’s that stark with Henderson and Salvy. The Witt, Rutschman…around .500 when no hits….seems like it would be a little more common. Or maybe just not quite as bad as 10 games under you see with Henderson/Salvy.
I'll be pretty surprised if he's there after the deadline. Not to say they can afford to run with this until then, but I don't think we have a lot longer to watch that.
Exceptionally nice start by the men in blue. Go Royals! Come out and support them KC! They need some big crowds in the last two months to pull them through.
My god the White Sox are terrible. It doesn’t matter, bank the wins and the Royals did exactly what I was hoping. Go .500 now against the Diamondbacks and Cubs…beat up on the White Sox again and they are right there. At least this weekend put to rest any talk of selling. They are buying, no question about it (i never really doubted). It’s interesting the difference a year makes. Last year I’d be thrilled with the sweep. This year, they did what they needed and part of me keeps visioning Brebbia hang slider after slider knowing how bad the White Sox are. Lol. Was that really us last year ?
I think I’ve actually changed my view quite a bit on the third baseman vs outfield situation. I think they need a third baseman more than outfielder now as well. It rubs me the wrong way that means Melendez keeps getting shots in the outfield. But quietly…Garcia is hitting just as well as Isbel this year. We are all fine with Isbel playing defense and hitting in the 9 hole. But you start getting too many of those type players and you quickly have an issue. We already see it with this team. IDK, I’d rather have a better hitting third baseman if out there with Renfoe looking much better.
I think third base is a bigger need, but man there isn't a lot out there on the infield. I'm not even sure how much that could change if some teams decide to sell. I mean does Eugenio Suarez and his .367 SLG really appeal? It's just a rough spot to upgrade. If they can get a guy like Chapman, Paredes or Rengifo, absolutely, but at some point, you're marginally upgrading offensively and likely downgrading defensively. Of course, surprises happen all the time, so I guess you never know really.
No Suarez does nothing for me. It’s Chapman or Paredes really. Regifo….whatever…but it’s an upgrade. I’d love Chapman or Paredes….but if they can’t make anything work I can totally see a Rengifo/Anderson deal that would not really excite me…..but it would be upgrades. So I’d take it. Lol.
I think you're underselling Rengifo, honestly. He'd be a massive upgrade to this lineup, especially because he does what they want at the top.
I could be. I’m not going to sit here and tell you I watch many Angels games without Ohtani/Trout. I don’t know if I even recall seeing Rengifo play. His career .313 obp and middling power sticks out to me at third. But it’s probably an unfair opinion on my part. He looks like he’s figured some things out the last couple years here. He’d be an upgrade over what they have. No question.
If he’s truely the .339 and .358 obp guy he has been the last two years. Go for it. I just want them to get guys that can get on base. Maybe he’s one of the rare guys that figure that out 4 years into there careers. Always possible.
The guy isn't a star, but the Angels did what the Angels do and gave him big league time before he was remotely ready. The career numbers have taken a big hit because of hit. He doesn't walk a ton, but he also doesn't strike out and he's a weapon on the bases. Again, not a star, but you put him at the top of the lineup and the team gets a fair amount better immediately.
I know Garcia's bat has been poor, but isn't hitting leadoff part of the problem? I would have no idea how to look up those numbers, but think? he hits better when lower in lineup. His defense at 3rd is great by my eye test, but maybe just compared to the others who they have plugged in there. I really like him as everyday 3rd when lower in lineup- are my eyes deceiving me?
Does Ty France interest anyone? I know it’s third base….and he’s not hitting well this year. And maybe he’s cooked at 30. But I’ve seen enough of him to know he’s a professional hitter. A career .340 obp is hard to just ignore. If only he played more than first though.
I meant first base*
Man I think I’d like to try it. His OPS+ of 94 would still be better than all in the bottom half of the lineup.
Again, that's the thing. Sure it's better than the bottom half of the lineup (though trending way in the wrong direction), but the only hitters he could replace are in the top half.
Yeah only playing first base is the real issue. Which is why he was DFA’d in the first place I’m sure. Seattle is more starved for offense than the Royals. Or at least around the same level.
Oh no, they're worse off than the Royals for sure.
No. The only reason France is remotely interesting is that hitters seem to absolutely crumble in Seattle and then many thrive elsewhere. But the guy is a first base/DH who doesn't have enough power to man the spot. Again, the idea of just fitting a bat in only works so well when your best bats are already taking the only spots a guy plays. You can't even pretend like he could passably play left field either like you could with Lamonte Wade.
Lots of "what if" trade stuff to talk about (I'm not convinced they need STARTING pitching), so I'll choose a different subject: Drew Waters.
I'll admit I was excited about this guy/trade a couple of years ago...but he seems to be "showing himself the door". What are you to think when (as a switch hitter) you get pinch-hit for in a situation where the pitcher can't even get the ball over the plate? And then he muffed a play in the field (and I considered him a good defender)! What's the over/under on how many times he gets a start before MJ comes back? 1? 2? He already sat a few days before yesterday's start...and he's hitting something like .100!!
Yeah, I didn't write about Waters because the team has basically told us how they felt about him all season long. And then when he gets his rare chances, he looks like he did on Saturday. I just don't see a big leaguer and I don't think the Royals do either, which speaks to their lack of upper level depth. If MJ comes back at the early end of what they think, that means they have five or six more games left. Looks like two lefties in that time. I'd say he starts a max of three games.
Here’s another one I can’t quite wrap my head around. I like Massey. It’s a sweet swing and some legit pop at second. But how in the world has he only walked 3 times in 46 games? He had a career .354 obp in the minors. .284 in the show. I know you’ve said the gap is wide…..and he was never a huge walk guy even in the minors. But it wasn’t as BA driven as it is now either. IDK…I guess it is that wide of a gap these days.
Small sample size?
He does a lot of chasing, but he also doesn't swing and miss much. Kind of an odd profile. But I think some of that will even out. He had a 5.2% walk rate last year. I can't imagine the 1.8% is sustainable.
I'm going to continue to beg the Royals to let Hunter Renfroe lead off until they add a bat.
But really, I'm a bit annoyed that they haven't added a bat, yet.
But also, what the heck is up with the trade deadline this year? It feels like there should have been multiple big deals done, already, but we're barely a week from the deadline and Hunter Harvey might have been the biggest deal so far.
I feel like you responded to the point about not adding a bat yourself, right? The market is slooooooooooooow. There are currently eight teams more than five games out of a playoff spot. Two of them are the Tigers and Rangers, who are probably on the edge right now of selling, for different reasons. Just a lot of waiting around for a few teams to pick a direction.
Has the extra playoff spots almost ensured that it will be slow right up until the day of as more teams are in it and figuring out what to do till the last moment? Almost seems that way.
That's played a huge role, but the draft being as late as it is plays a massive role too. Add in that the break was a little later than usual (and thus the draft), and you have a slow market.
Its annoying the Rays always beat up on the Yanks, well not really- I love it, but I was hoping the Rays would be selling this week
Yeah, you're right. I'm just impatient because at least part of me believe that if the Royals add one bat of average ability but with above average consistency, they'll immediately start dominating the entire sport.
Forget Tread and Driveline, Twitter is all you need!
Do you think they keep looking for a reliever if they get a starter first?
I could see them adding two more pitchers.
Great weekend. They’re doing so well I can wonder if Vinnie will hit more sac flies that Bobby gets caught stealing and possibly break a record.
It seems like for the Royals to win, it takes a significant contribution from Witt and/or Salvy.
If one of them doesn't do something significant, then they lose.
Any basis for that opinion?
They're 12-11 when Witt does haven't have a hit and 11-19 when Salvy doesn't. There have been six games when they've both gone hitless. They're 1-5 in those, but 0-4 in June, including the sweep in Texas.
I don't think it's especially surprising, though, that if the a team's two most productive hitters don't hit, it makes it tougher to win.
Really it is just another confirmation on what we already know. It’s a top heavy lineup, lack of depth, stars and bums, etc….whatever we want to call it really. If the engine doesn’t go…..they don’t really have the backup battery to get them by most nights. BWJ and Salvy are the engine.
Is it though? The Orioles are pretty stacked, right?
They're 9-19 when Gunnar Henderson doesn't get a hit and 15-14 when Rutschman doesn't. They're 2-8 when they both go hitless.
Well…..I guess not. That doesn’t neatly fit into my narrative so I’m going to ignore your stat. It’s definitely interesting. In a sport that is so individualized…..maybe that’s more common than I thought. Seems odd….but I guess it’s clearly not just the Royals.
Actually when you look at the total offensive stats for the Royals. It’s an interesting profile. They are 11th in runs scored (that’s great), but then you look at HR’s (21), OBP (20), walks (28th), middle of the pack in hits….and its like how are they 11th in runs scored. It’s the low obp, low strikeout approach. Which….I guess we’ve seen it work in the past. And as you’ve already mentioned…as long as they keep hitting well with runners. I mean, they are only down to 62 more games so I don’t see a huge correction in that trend at this point hopefully.
The reality is that every team needs their stars to be stars more often than not. If Bobby and Salvy are hitting, the Royals are likely scoring and with their pitching, they're likely winning.
Yeah, I mean you’re right. It’s just a little surprising that such an individualized sport where 0-3, 0-4 is fairly common. It’s that stark with Henderson and Salvy. The Witt, Rutschman…around .500 when no hits….seems like it would be a little more common. Or maybe just not quite as bad as 10 games under you see with Henderson/Salvy.
Holy moly...such a weekend! Great commentary as usual, David. Thank you.
"They’re really missing the same Corbin Carroll as they got last year"
As is my fantasy team. He was supposed to be one of my anchors, along with Julio Rodriguez & Matt Olson. Oops. How am I in 2nd place, again?
My biggest concern is the leadoff spot. Adam Frazier there just doesn’t feel like a solution at all.
I'll be pretty surprised if he's there after the deadline. Not to say they can afford to run with this until then, but I don't think we have a lot longer to watch that.
Exceptionally nice start by the men in blue. Go Royals! Come out and support them KC! They need some big crowds in the last two months to pull them through.